Increases in drunk driving incidents are making OPP step up efforts to catch drunk drivers and keep roads safer. Between 2018 and the end of 2023, 385 people died in crashes caused by drunk driving on roads patrolled by the OPP. During this time, drunk driving crashes have been going up, with 2023 having a 31% increase compared to the previous five years. Drunk driving charges have also gone up by 33% over the same period.
According to Canada’s Mandatory Alcohol Screening (MAS) law, drivers have to blow into a breathalyzer if an officer asks, even if they don’t suspect the driver has been drinking. If you think someone is driving drunk, call 9-1-1 right away. Your call could save a life.
These increases show that many drivers aren’t doing their part to keep others on the road safe. Drivers need to be ready to blow into a breathalyzer if they’re stopped by police. OPP also wants drivers to know that they do RIDE checks all year round. Drivers should be ready to blow into a breathalyzer during these checks too.
Written by: K. Milhomens
